Melbourne [Australia], March 30 (NT): In a major blow to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been kept out of the upcoming sensational of 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a stress fracture in his leg.

The injury will also rule out Starc of Australia's fourth and final Test in opposition to South Africa in Johannesburg. He will be replaced by 31-year-old debutant Chadd Sayers in the national squad, as cricket.com.au reported.

Confirming the news, Cricket Australia (CA) took to its official Twitter handle and wrote that the left-armer has sustained a 'tibial bone stress in his right leg' and that he would now head home after the series for further injury inquiry and assessment.

"Mitchell Starc has a 'tibial bone stress in his right leg'. He will return home for further assessment after the Test and will miss the IPL," Cricket Australia tweeted.

Starc was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for an enormous Rs 9.4 crores at the IPL Player Auction in Bengaluru in January this year.

The 11th edition of the IPL will kick off from April 7. KKR are listed to play their opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 8. (NT)